Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Kids’ Tech University to host new programs this fall!



Blacksburg, VA, August 27, 2013---The award-winning Kids’ Tech University has partnered with the Army to host four new Kids’ Tech sessions at historic Fort Belvoir in Fairfax, Virginia. Registration will open on August 26 at 6 pm at http://kidstechuniversity-army.vbi.vt.edu.

The program aims to give children a taste of what it’s like to be part of the university community and to experience how asking questions often leads scientists to major discoveries.

Taking place on September 14, October 19, November 16 and December 7, these sessions will help kids find answers about the world around us. At the Fort Belvoir sessions, children will be invited to discover how network dynamics is used to solve problems, why Antarctica is necessary for understanding geology, and why bees are so important to food production.

"This is a unique opportunity for military children to interact with world renowned scientists and participate in hands-on activities” said Kristy Collins, KTU program director. “We are excited about hosting an event at Fort Belvoir, our first at a military location! This program is made possible by a grant from the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and with partnerships including the US Army Corp of Engineers; Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech; Virginia 4-H; US Army Family, Moral, Welfare and Recreation Programs; US Army Child Youth and School Services; Military Intelligence Readiness Command and Army Reserve Child and Youth Services.”

Because of this unique partnership, only children ages 9 to 12 with a military affiliation will be eligible to participate in the program. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

US Army ERDC -Topographic Engineering Center’s Deputy Chief Valerie Carney said, "ERDC realizes the importance of STEM outreach to help build our future workforce, and we are very excited to be able to sponsor Kids' Tech University at Fort Belvoir this year in support of our outreach efforts. What caught my attention with KTU is the multi-faceted aspect of the program, having interactive sessions with scientists, hands-on activities with volunteers, and virtual lab activities to be performed later at home. The comprehensive nature of this program should make it fun for children to learn about STEM disciplines."

Kids’ Tech University will also host an inaugural fall program at the VT Research Center in Arlington, Virginia. Start up money for the program is being provided by a VT Research Center grant. The program will be held on September 15, October 20, and November 17, 2013. Children (and parents) will be invited to discover how network dynamics is used to solve problems, high-flying organisms, and how viruses make us sick. Registration opens Aug. 27 at 6 pm at http://kidstechuniversity-arlington.vbi.vt.edu. Registration closes once 70 children have signed up for the program.

3 comments:

Theresa said...

What a FABULOUS opportunity for our military children! Thank you KTU for being the leader in teaching children about STEM!

Theresa said...

What a fabulous opportunity for our military children! Thank you KTU for taking the lead in exposing our children to STEM! Job WELL DONE!!!!

Michele B. said...

We are so thankful for the opportunity and what it will have to offer over the next 4 months. Thank you KTU, Ft. Belvoir and VT.